“ERGONOMIC RISK ASSESSMENT CONDUCTED AT LUBE OIL BLENDING PLANT”

Introduction. This report summarizes the ergonomic risk assessment conducted at Lube Oil Blending Plant for a Team Health (Occupational Health Doctor & Industrial Hygienist), based this assessment upon a walk-through and interviews with Workers, Supervisors and HSSE Manager. Objective of Assessment. To assess the Ergonomic risk factors in the Lube Oil Blending Plant, through an analysis of risk factors. Methodology used by this Assessor. The following data collection methods were used: Informal interviews; direct observation; videotaping the worker and analysis of all the data collected with Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). Conclusions: Most workers at plant are exposed to a combination of concurrent risk factors for developing upper extremity MSDs: high force, static and awkward posture, and repetitive motion. Workers were also exposed to risk factors for low back pain: lifting/forceful movements, awkward postures, and heavy physical work. The Results of this report has outlined significant ergonomic risk factors associated with the Loading of containers flexi tanks and Line of Drums Operator tasks. These risk factors are particularly related to manual handling (dimensions of the coil carton and drums) combined with the repetition. In the specific case the Loading of containers flexi tanks task, there are significant risks associated with heat stress. General Recommendations: The blending and packaging areas present the opportunity to reduce the risk of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). Recommendations to the command to reduce the probability of injury include considering equipment purchase, redesigning processes, and implementing administrative controls.